Name

Menin Gate Memorial Columns of Names: Bay 40, Stone J.

Description

Details of the names on Bay 40/ Stone J of the Menin Gate Memorial, typed 11th December 1925. William Cunningham is listed on the first of three columns of names.

Life Story

Name: William Andrew Cunningham.

Service Number: 811.

Rank: Lance Corporal.

Battalion: 8th Battalion.

Regiment: Royal Irish Rifles.

Born: Belfast, County Antrim.

Died: 5th August 1917.

Address: 330 Shankill Road, Belfast

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Ulster Volunteer William Andrew Cunningham, son of Robert and Jane Cunningham, lived at 330 Shankill Road, Belfast.

The 1901 Ireland Census has William living at 73 Hudson Street, Shankill Road, Belfast with his father, occupation, Boot Operative, mother, three brothers, John, 19 years, Boot Operative, Alexander, 14 years, Hackle Setter, Robert George, 12 years, Messenger, and two sisters, Ellen Jane, 10 years, and Sarah, 1 year.

The 1911 Ireland Census has William living at 9 Shankill Road, Belfast, with his father, occupation Shoemaker, mother, two brothers, Robert George, 22 years, Shoemaker, Wesley, 9 years, and two sisters, Ellen Jane, 20 years, Linen Weaver, Sarah Ann, 4 years. Williams occupation is given as Iron Moulder at this time.

William was a member of the West Belfast Ulster Volunteer Force.

He was also a member of the Orange Order, L.O.L Coronation 786 lodge, and Royal Black Preceptory R.B.P 391.

He was posted as part of the British Expeditionary Forces to France on the 16th of December 1915.

William was a Lance Corporal in 8th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles when he was Killed In Action in France on the 5th of August 1917.

Local papers state.

Cpl W A Cunningham, Royal Irish Rifles, 330 Shankill Road, Belfast, killed in action.

Another states.

The parents of Corporal Wm A Cunningham, Royal Irish Rifles, who reside at 330 Shankill Road, Belfast, have been officially notified that their son was killed in action on the 5th ult.

There is also memorial notice within his profile.

Pension Application Forms show his mother Jane as claimant.

His Soldiers Effects were left to his father Robert.

He received the British War Medal, Victory Medal and 1914-1915 Star.

He is Remembered at Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium.

To Remember Is To Honour

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